Upper School Course Offerings 2017 - 18

The Mission of Thayer Academy is to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical

excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.

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A NOTE FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR Welcome to the 2017-18 Course Offerings manual. This packet contains all the information about Thayer Academy’s Upper School academic program. This year’s manual contains the following four sections:

1. The Academic Program and Graduation Requirements This section describes the different levels of courses we offer, the course load required each semester, the credits awarded for courses, and the graduation requirements. All students must meet the requirements listed in this section in order to receive a Thayer Academy Diploma, unless they have received prior approval from the Upper School Director and the Director of Studies. (p. 3)

2. Description of the Global Scholars Program Some students may elect to participate in this program, which fosters greater awareness and engagement in global issues. (p. 4)

3. What’s New in 2017-18? This is a quick reference to anything different or new that we are offering in 2017-18. These items include new or re-introduced courses and an explanation of the new Science choices for juniors and seniors. (p. 5)

4. Course Descriptions

The listing and description of every course we are offering in the Upper School in 2017-18 can be found in this section. Courses are listed by department and generally organized from ninth grade/introductory level courses to twelfth grade/more advanced courses. At the end of this section, you can find a list of all of our course offerings. (pages 6-24)

5. Upper School Academic Planning Guide The Upper School Academic Planning Guide can be used to map out a four-year academic plan. While students only select courses one year at a time, this chart will help students see “the big picture” of their entire Upper School academic experience. It might be helpful for students to work with their advisors, parents, grade deans and/or college counselor as they use the guide.

Selecting courses is perhaps the most important aspect of designing the high school student experience. Be sure to pay close attention to Thayer Academy’s graduation requirements (and NCAA Eligibility requirements for aspiring Division I/II athletes); select courses that offer the appropriate level of challenge to ensure positive intellectual and personal growth; and always seek to balance the academic courses with interesting and meaningful electives, while also considering the extra-curricular commitments you have. There are a wide variety of courses available, so students should think carefully – with input from parents and advisors – about what they choose. If students or parents have questions, please be sure to contact advisors, grade level deans, or the college counselors. Highley Thompson Upper School Director

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THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM The Upper School academic program emphasizes the skills and concepts necessary for successful college work. Many courses are offered at various levels: an AP designation indicates an Advanced Placement college level course related to specific curricula developed by the College Board; Honors indicates an accelerated or advanced class; no designation indicates a competitive college preparatory class; and fundamentals indicates a regularly paced college preparatory class. Students are scheduled in courses that best suit their background and ability, and it is not unusual for students to have an academic schedule that includes courses from different levels. Credit values for courses depend upon the number of times a course meets per week and how many semesters a course runs. For example:

● 1 credit for full-year core courses ● ½ credit for courses that meet four or more periods per week for one semester ● ½ credit for courses that meet two or three times per week for a full year ● Thayer Academy does not award credits less than ½ ● Credits earned at other institutions may be approved on an individual basis.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate from Thayer Academy, all students must successfully meet the requirements stated in each of the five areas cited below: Earned Credits Requirement: To receive a diploma, a student must accumulate a minimum of 20 credits. Course Distribution Requirement: The following credit distribution is required: 4 credits of English, with a minimum of one credit in English each year 3 credits of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry are required) 3 credits of foreign language (students are required to complete the third level of a language and should take 3 years of

language in the Upper School) 3 credits of science 3 credits of history, including one year of Modern European History and one year of United States History 1 credit of arts (1/2 of which is the Freshman requirement, Foundation in the Arts) 3 credits electives Health & Wellness: 9th grade PE, plus Health (9); Nutrition, Current Issues, and Lifetime Activities (10); Decisions (11); and

CPR (12) Course Load Requirement: Students must carry five core courses each semester (English, mathematics, science, history, foreign language). No more than two may be in the same discipline. If a student would like to take a sixth core course, he/she will need prior approval from the appropriate Department Head, the Director of Studies and the Upper School Director. Physical Activity Requirement: Students must participate in school-sponsored physical activities for two seasons each year. Freshmen and sophomores must participate in two interscholastic sports; juniors must compete for at least one interscholastic team, but can substitute one school-approved activity for a team sport; and seniors must participate in two seasons of either interscholastic team sports or school-approved activities. Senior Year Requirements: Students are required to be enrolled at Thayer Academy for their entire Senior Year. Seniors are required to successfully complete an approved independent project during the last four weeks of the spring semester. Projects must have an academic, career, or community service orientation, and all projects include a research component. Each student’s project is monitored and supported by a Thayer faculty member. The Upper School Director and the Director of Studies must approve any deviation from these requirements.

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GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Global Scholars Program aims to develop a deeper understanding and greater awareness, interest, and engagement in global issues. Students will combine the following curricular and co-curricular elements in order to be recognized as Global Scholars:

a. Enrollment and high achievement in certain Thayer courses with a global perspective: foreign language, literature, history, and environmental science. These courses are denoted with a

b. An international immersion experience and/or a service projects that requires direct encounters with individuals from other countries or cultures

c. Active participation in a globally or culturally focused club d. Attending global speakers, film events, exhibits, concerts, and lectures e. Completion of a Global Scholars Capstone course incorporating research, development and completion of an

independent project, and a community presentation Students would make a commitment to the program by the end of their junior year, so some members of the Class of 2018 may already qualify. The various curricular and extra-curricular requirements of the program would be met over the course of a student’s sophomore, junior, and senior years. Students who complete the program would earn a Global Scholars certificate and be recognized at graduation. If interested in this program, students should see the Upper School Director of Studies.

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WHAT’S NEW IN 2017-18?

Computer Science Department:

We are offering both Data Structures and AP Computer Science in 2017-18. While we did offer both courses in 2016-17, doing so came after the publication of that year’s manual. Those courses used to be offered in alternating years; we now offer both in the same year.

History Department:

Hiroshima and the Holocaust We are offering this course again after a one-year hiatus. This course will explore big topics like genocide, totalitarianism, and even nuclear physics through history, memoir, fiction, and film. Students will look at war policies, war crimes, and war guilt; and they will examine the lives of men and women who made the most significant contributions to 20th Century history—for better or worse.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

This new course explores the scriptures, histories, beliefs and practices of those whom the Qur’an calls “The People of the Book”: Jews, Christians and Muslims. What binds these faith perspectives together? What has divided them, often to the point of bloodshed? These are but a few of the essential questions that are explored in the course, seeking deeper appreciation for the diversity and similarities of these major world religions. Students will increase their scriptural literacy, historical knowledge base, and awareness of complex contemporary issues. Most importantly, they will ponder some of the most deeply meaningful questions in human history.

Science Department: Now that the Class of 2019 has worked its way through our revamped Integrated Science I and II programs, the Science elective program for juniors and seniors will look a little bit different. For the Class of 2018 (seniors): The majority of the Class of 2018 has already taken three years of science (Physics in ninth grade, Biology in tenth, and Chemistry in eleventh). Seniors can either take AP level courses (if recommended by their teacher and approved by the department head), or they can select from a wide array of electives, including an upper level Physics course. For the Class of 2019 (juniors): The Class of 2019 is the first to have completed our Integrated Science program, so they have options that other junior classes in the past have not had.

• Most juniors will take an in-depth course in Biology, Quantitative Chemistry or Physics 11-12. • Some juniors may be eligible to take an AP level science course (if recommended by their teacher and

approved by the department head). • Finally, some juniors will opt to take elective courses that were previously restricted to seniors (e.g. Marine

Science or Astronomy).

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Students must earn one full credit in the arts. However, most students take advantage of the department’s wide range of electives by studying music, fine arts, dance, or theater at advanced levels. FOUNDATIONS IN THE ARTS. This year-long creative course is a requirement for freshmen, and it forms the substructure of the arts curriculum. In each trimester, students explore one aspect of the arts: music, visual arts, or theater. In theater class, students begin to train as actors through exploration of public speaking, voice, movement, sensory awareness, and improvisation. In visual art class, students develop basic drawing and painting skills. In music class, students use an ears-and-minds-open approach as they learn to analyze the construction of all modern forms of music. Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. VISUAL ARTS ELECTIVES Architectural Design I, II, III. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional concepts are explored including historical research, architectural rendering, sculpture, model making, drafting, and various problem-solving assignments. Students are introduced to the "language" of architecture and the practice of architecture as a profession. Second- and third-year students learn computer-aided design along with other projects such as wood frame construction, town planning, etc. (Grades 10-12) Full-year – meets 2 times per week for 1/2 credit or 4 times per week for 1 credit. Graphic Design I. Using the Mac laptop computer as a design tool, students will use a variety of apps, including Adobe Ideas, to create a digital sketchbook that will be used in the classroom and home; Wasabi Paint, a digital painting app that looks and feels like real paint; Colourize, to recolor digital photos; and Photo Wall, to create photo collages. In addition, students will learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud applications: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and Corel Painter 12, used by professional Graphic and Web Designers worldwide. Design Assignments include Optical Illusions, Kaleidoscopes, Poster Design, Color Theory, Logo Design, Chinese Symbols, Illuminated Letters, Print Advertisements and The Wacom Drawing and Painting Tablet. Craft Projects include Mouse pads, Magnets and Fabric Design of tote bags, aprons and t-shirts. Emerging trends and styles of design are studied utilizing online databases from the National Cooper Hewitt Design Museum and the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York City. Students will learn critiquing skills that will help them improve their work; this includes both for technical and aesthetic aspects of their designs. Student print designs are displayed in the annual student art show in Thayer’s Gallery and on Thayer’s website. (Grades 10-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Graphic Design II, III. Using the Mac laptop computer as a design tool, students will use a variety of apps, including Adobe Ideas, to create a digital sketchbook that will be used in the classroom and home; Wasabi Paint, a digital painting app that looks and feels like real paint; Colourize, to recolor digital photos; and Photo Wall, to create photo collages. Students will learn more in-depth skills about essential graphic design tools used for print and multimedia artwork. More advanced skills are taught to create design portfolios. Design Assignments include: Designers at Work, International Design, 3 Dimensional Packaging Design, Fabric Design, Digital Painting using the Wacom Drawing and Painting Tablet, Commercial Printing Techniques and Paper for Fine Art Digital Printing. Craft Projects include Mouse pads, Magnets and Fabric Design of tote bags, aprons and t-shirts. (Grades 10-12) Prerequisite: Graphic Design I or permission of the instructor. Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Web Design. In this introductory class to web design, students begin by learning web design basics including color, formatting, and page layout for web pages. Students will build and publish webpages using WordPress and iWeb ‘11 for a variety of industries. Students will learn how businesses use websites to establish credibility as part of their advertising campaign, and how web 2.0 technology is utilized for internet marketing. Web design is more than just creating functional, eye-pleasing web pages; it’s using technical and design skills to create complete digital experiences that drive so many industries. The internet isn’t just on our desktop computer; it’s always with us in our smartphones, PDAs, MP3 players, and more. Understanding how to create media for the ever-changing internet means you can make your ideas reach more people, anywhere in the world—just what today’s companies need. (Grades 10-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit.

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Painting and Drawing I, II, III. This full-year course includes a wide exploration of both drawing and painting methods and materials using real and imaginary subject matter. Students are introduced to varied techniques and processes of drawing and painting including composition, the elements and principles of design, the use of color, and pertinent aspects of art history and self-expression. As students progress, they are free to explore a more independent voice in both their choice of materials and subject matter. Media options include graphite, ink, charcoal, conte crayon, pastel, watercolor and acrylics as well as mixed media. (Grades 10-12) Full-year – meets 2 times per week for 1/2 credit or 4 times per week for 1 credit. Photography I. In this course students will learn fundamental photographic techniques, including use of 35mm digital SLR cameras in manual mode, downloading, organizing and editing of images. All assignments will be done using Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom. Students will learn basics of composition and become proficient in Adobe Lightroom by the end of the year. (Grades 10-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Photography II. This course is a review of the technical aspects of photography, as well as development of student’s ability to communicate an idea effectively. Use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to manipulate images is a major component in this course. Students will learn basic retouching techniques as well as advanced montaging skills. All assignments will make use of digital cameras and Photoshop. (Grades 11-12) Prerequisite: Photography I or permission of the instructor. Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Photography III. Third year students are expected to have a working knowledge of digital SLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. The emphasis of this class will be on the student’s ability to develop his or her personal vision. Advanced Photoshop and Lightroom techniques will be explored in order for students to create a cohesive body of work. (Grade 12 only) Prerequisite: Photography II or permission of the instructor. Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Limited enrollment—students with prior photography experience will be scheduled first. Pottery I. An introduction to basic clay working: hand-building and wheel-throwing, decoration, glazing, and firing techniques, introduction to basic glaze preparation. Stoneware, raku and smoke firing are explored. Emphasis is on obtaining comfort and confidence with these techniques through the production of a body of work. Students experiment with functional, non-functional, and sculptural concepts. Pottery history and culture is presented through examples and discussion. (Grades 10-12) Full-year – meets 2 times per week for 1/2 credit or 4 times per week for 1 credit. Pottery II, III. This course is a continuation of Pottery I: Advanced techniques in clay working, introduction to basic glaze calculation and formulation. Alternative firing methods and experimental projects are introduced. Students may explore areas of their own choosing. A variety of clays and firing processes including raku, smoke firing, porcelain and cone 10 reduction are available. Independent exploration is encouraged. Pottery history and culture is presented through examples and discussion. (Grades 10-12) Prerequisite: Pottery I or permission of the instructor. Full-year – meets 2 times per week for 1/2 credit or 4 times per week for 1 credit. Film I,II,III. Students learn about film pre-production, production and post-production by participating in hands-on activities while creating short films. They work both in small groups and individually in a well-equipped film/video studio. Additionally, students discuss and critique classic, contemporary and student films while developing their understanding of what makes successful scripts, camerawork, lighting, and sound design. (Grades 10-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. THEATER ELECTIVES Advanced Acting: This course offers students the opportunity to explore various styles of acting in an open and positive environment. Drawing upon a variety of techniques, including vocal and physical warm-ups, theatre games, and dramatic improvisation, students develop their individualized acting technique and stage presence. Students will develop successful strategies for approaching cold readings, improvised scenes, interviews, and other oral presentations. Emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence in front of an audience with projects and class assignments individualized to the each student's interest and experience level. (Grades 10-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit.

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DANCE/MOVEMENT ELECTIVES Dance Styles/Movement. This course will focus on learning the techniques of a variety of different styles of dance. Classes will cover dance styles such as American hip hop, contemporary and lyrical dance, Broadway jazz, tap, modern, Latin dance, swing dance and a variety of ethnic dance styles. Students will work on stretching, flexibility, technique, and "stage presence" as well as learning and performing complete dance numbers to be performed at the winter and spring dance concerts. (Grades 9-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Dancing for Dudes. Meet Thayer Academy's next "dance crew"...the first ever all guys dance class. We will focus on learning dance styles, athletic moves, increasing flexibility and strength as well as techniques (and tricks!) for dance suited for men. There will be performances in all dance concerts! (Grades 9-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. MUSIC ELECTIVES Concert Choir. This choral ensemble welcomes students of all abilities who enjoy singing. This ensemble provides students with the experience of performing songs in 3- and 4-part harmony from a variety of musical styles. Students in Concert Choir give several performances during the year. No audition is necessary. (Grades 9-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Instrumental Ensemble. This ensemble will offer a wide range of playing and performance experiences. The group consists of brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion and electric bass. The students will play a variety of literature and styles of music, from traditional, to modern, to movie soundtracks. The students have input into the music they study. No audition is necessary. (Grades 9-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Jazz Combos. These instrumental/vocal groups will play and perform jazz, fusion, and rock-influenced styles of music. Students have input into the music that is learned and performed. Basic chord theory, form arranging, improvised solos and chord structure will be taught. (Grades 9-12) Meets 2 times per week, full-year for 1/2 credit. Private Lessons. Lessons in voice and most instruments, depending on the sign up, can be arranged for individual students during their free time or after school. It is strongly recommended that private lesson students are also members of one of the Thayer Academy music groups COMPUTER SCIENCE Certain word-processing, spreadsheet, and on-line research skills are developed within the curriculum of the major academic disciplines. The Computer Science Department focuses on the study of computer programming and the theory and the algorithmic approaches that form the core of programming. Programming I (C++). Students with experience, motivation, and high intellectual ability may be admitted to this full-year course which covers the fundamental algorithmic and flowcharting skills, logic development, control structures, functions, and data types which lead to advanced topics in computer science. Additional topics include searching and sorting algorithms, file management processes, and hardware and operating system proficiency. Meets 3 times per week. AP Computer Science (Java). The focus of this full-year course will be the curriculum set forth by the Advanced Placement (AP) Committee in Computer Science. In addition to regular course work, students will be required to participate in all contests of the American Computer Science League. By the end of the course, students are prepared to take the AP Computer Science exam. (Prerequisites: Programming I and permission of the instructor.) Meets 4 times per week. Data Structures in Java. This full-year course will begin with a very intense review geared to the topics taught in the AP Computer Science course. The focus of this course will be on advanced data structures (linked lists, stacks, queues, and binary trees), data files, and the major algorithms of sorting and searching. The other essential component of this course will be the development of an in-depth approach to graphical programming in Java. In addition to regular course work, students will be required to participate in all contests of the American Computer Science League. (Prerequisites: Programming I, AP Computer Science and permission of the instructor.) Meets 3 times per week.

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ENGLISH

In English students develop an understanding of themselves and others through reading and writing, while honing their communication skills for success in college and beyond. Four years of English are required for graduation. Honors sections (English IH, IIH, Senior Seminar H) are offered to freshmen, sophomores, and first semester seniors with outstanding verbal abilities as evidenced by past performance and standardized test scores. Advanced placement sections - English III AP: Literature and Composition and English III AP: Language and Composition - are offered in the junior year to qualified students. Second semester seniors choose one English course from the spring semester’s electives. A number of the senior courses meet the requirements for the Global Scholars Program.

GRADES 9 & 10

English I (and English I Honors). During the freshmen year, students read novels, plays, and poems that provide a foundation in world literature and the roots of our literary tradition. Students explore the hero and the hero's journey in these texts. They also develop their analytical writing skills, do extensive vocabulary building, and study punctuation and sentence structure. Meets 4 times per week.

English I Workshop. This course, scheduled with two extra class periods each week, is designed for freshmen who need to develop their reading, writing, and study skills to gain the proficiency necessary for success in their next three years of English. The extra periods provide students with additional guided reading, writing, and study skills opportunities. English I Workshop follows the same curriculum as English I; students will move on to English II the following year. Meets 6 times per week.

English II (and English II Honors). During the sophomore year, students focus on storytelling by exploring the ways authors reveal stories and discovering how they can employ the same techniques in their own fiction writing. The guiding premise is that nothing in fiction is an accident. During the first semester, students focus on reading and writing short fiction. They experiment with a variety of styles and techniques while pushing themselves to make every word count. During the second semester, the focus shifts from creating fiction to analyzing novels, plays and poetry. Throughout the year, students work to build vocabulary, master grammar, and refine sentence structure. Meets 4 times per week.

GRADE 11

English 34: Language and Style (First Semester). In this course, students focus on the creative and controlled uses of language in poetry and prose through the close analysis of excerpts from great writers. Writing assignments are, for the most part, imitative rather than analytical. The aim is to develop more flexibility, precision, and control in writing as well as to acquire an appreciation of the elements of style. Meets 4 times per week.

English 37: American Masterworks (Second Semester). Through reading representative works of the best American writing, students gain a richer understanding of the self and society. Students will explore a variety of genres, including novels, short stories, plays, and poems, and continue to work on their critical thinking and analytical writing. Meets 4 times per week. NOTE: With additional outside study, some students who take English 34 and 37 will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Language and Composition.

AP English: Literature and Composition. This full-year course is designed for a select group of juniors who have already demonstrated a mature commitment to reading literature as well as a sophisticated mastery of grammar and composition. Through intense study of the elements of fiction, poetry, and drama, students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam in Literature and Composition. They will examine a broad spectrum of readings drawn from American and world literature – from the classics to the avant-garde – and will sharpen their skills of critical evaluation and deepen their appreciation of the persuasive and artistic power of the written word. Meets 4 times per week.

AP English: Language and Composition. This full-year course prepares a select group of juniors for the Advanced Placement Exam in Language and Composition. Students read a variety of fiction and nonfiction to develop their understanding and appreciation of how a writer uses style, literary devices, and rhetorical strategies to achieve his or her purpose. Writers explored include Nathaniel Hawthorne, George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway, Joan Didion, Sherman Alexie, Brent Staples, Barbara Ehrenreich, and David Foster Wallace. Assignments range from creative imitation and personal essay to literary analysis and argument. Meets 4 times per week.

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GRADE 12

First Semester

English 400: Senior Seminar (and Senior Seminar Honors). Albert Einstein wrote, "Someone who reads only newspapers and books of contemporary authors looks to me like an extremely near-sighted person who scorns eyeglasses. He is completely dependent on the prejudices and fashions of his times, since he never gets to see or hear anything else." Students will examine some masterpieces of drama, fiction, and poetry, encountering diverse perspectives on humanity's universal experience. They'll build on their skills in writing, critical thinking, and reading comprehension, while enhancing appreciation for the role of great storytelling in mankind's search for meaning. Meets 4 times per week. NOTE: All seniors except for those enrolled in Advanced Composition will take this course.

English 401: Advanced Composition. Student writers learn best by writing for real audiences, and students in this course will both write and handle a variety of editing responsibilities for Voice, a news magazine serving the entire Thayer community. These students will automatically have a staff position on the publication and will continue to edit the magazine second semester after the course ends. Students will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated writing skill, ability to handle responsibility and the pressures of publication time constraints, and their commitment to excellence in their work. They will need to proofread accurately as well as write creatively, take constructive criticism in stride and offer it with tact, and be ready and willing to work some evenings when production deadlines loom. (Mr. Kiley) Meets 4 times per week.

Second Semester

English 404: Crossing Borders: Journeys and Transformations. Where is our place in the world? How long must we search for it? Is “arrival” the goal or a pit-stop along the way? Is the danger here in what we know, or out there in what we don't? As technology and globalization shrink the world, our challenge more than ever is to nurture "unity in diversity," without sacrificing one for the other. Writers, poets, and filmmakers are well placed to show us: how do we cross the borders of age, gender, class, race, and culture along the way? Examining their own experience in light of others, students will broaden their perspectives and deepen their awareness. (Ms. Hayman) Meets 4 times per week.

English 405: Crossing Borders: Global Journeys and Transformations. Thich Nhat Hanh, the widely respected Buddhist writer and teacher from Vietnam, describes our challenge as human beings this way: "We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness." This section of Crossing Borders will have much in common with the content and objectives of the other, but will offer more of an international, multicultural focus in the readings and films that we study. (Mr. King) Meets 4 times per week.

English 408: Philosophy and Literature. Is there anything you would willingly die for? What? Can life have meaning if there is nothing you would die for? Why? Is it possible to answer such questions? How? This course will seek answers in some classics of philosophy and literature, both ancient and modern. Through analytical and personal writing, students will explore the pleasures and rewards of philosophical thinking. Discussions will feature current controversies and timeless questions. (Mr. Levinson) Meets 4 times per week.

English 406: Rag and Bone Shop: A Reading and Writing Workshop in Poetry. This course will explore and illuminate the poetic process and the poetic tradition. The writing of poetry in the workshop will emerge from its twin activity: namely, the study of a wide range of schools and forms of poetry. As students begin to appreciate poetry as an alternative, but visceral, form of expression, they will apply this understanding both to their own compositions and to their critiquing of the poetry presented in the workshop. (Mr. Rooney) Meets 4 times per week.

English 410: Scene to Screen. Like literature, film is an artistic medium with its own conventions, aesthetic values, and techniques. Its perspectives on and insight into the human condition are as varied as the films and directors themselves. In this class, we shall examine the techniques used by contemporary directors to manage the complexity of adapting the written word to film and study how this medium explores the depths of our emotions and the motivations for and consequences of our actions. The inclusion of international films and texts will also reveal a perspective that transcends immediate culture and examines those global responsibilities and universal experiences we all share. (Ms. King) Meets 4 times per week.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE Foreign language study through the third year is required for graduation. Students are placed in a course according to interest, ability, preparation, and prior language background. Sections designated IV or V provide preparation for the SAT Subject Tests. It is expected that all students enrolled in AP Language courses will register for the Advanced Placement Examination. The foreign language department offers Latin, French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. In Latin, classes prepare students to read and translate classic works, explore the verbal and rhetorical connection to English, and appreciate the history and culture of the Ancient World. In French, Spanish and Chinese the goals range from students being able to have basic conversations to being able to read and discuss major works in the target language. Each class is scheduled for a language lab session once every eight class periods for intensive paired work or recording or multi-media activities. Reading, writing, and conversational skills are all stressed and developed throughout the course of study. The department also strongly urges students to travel to a country where the target language is spoken, or to somehow use the language outside the classroom in order to broaden their experience and ability in the language. To that end, the department organizes trips to Spain, France, Canada, Italy, Peru and China. CHINESE Mandarin Chinese I: This course is for students who have no previous or limited experience with Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn the basic communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition to the Pinyin Romanization system, the traditional Mandarin Phonetic Symbols are introduced with the four tones. Students will learn to write the basic characters from 214 radicals in correct stroke-order, and learn to use a traditional Chinese dictionary. Students will learn four songs and eight lessons. Basic grammar and sentence structure are introduced. The curriculum addresses cultural topics via movies, projects and other activities, including Chinese food, calligraphy, and field trips. Materials include: Let’s Learn the Mandarin Alphabet, Let’s Learn Chinese Characters through 214 Radicals, Far East Chinese-English Dictionary, as well as a character-practice workbook. Meets 4 times per week. Mandarin Chinese II: The course is designed to provide students with skills for more practical and complex situations, to expand vocabulary, and to improve listening and speaking skills through online and language lab activities. Basic grammar is reviewed, and more complicated structures are introduced. Through extensive practice in speaking and writing, students will improve their ability to express themselves in the language. Basic writing skills are developed and practiced. They are able to write a short essay using Chinese word processing. The curriculum focuses on aspects of Chinese culture that are different from life in the United States. Materials include: Conversational Mandarin Chinese I, Learn Mandarin through Chinese Children's Songs. Meets 4 times per week. Mandarin Chinese III: In Chinese III, students build upon the skills developed in Chinese I and II. Students continue to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills by reading short articles and singing songs. The course will focus on oral proficiency and writing. The students are engaged in more spontaneous conversations, and in addressing various aspects of Chinese culture. Students will be able to use a traditional dictionary to translate readings into English. They will learn to write a note, a letter, and a short story. Research projects and presentations increase students’ control of Chinese grammatical structures. Materials include Conversational Mandarin Chinese I. Life and Death in Shanghai. Meets four times per week. Mandarin Chinese IV: The course includes frequent oral presentations and written assignments. Students continue to hone their speaking and listening skills and improve their reading and writing abilities. Through the reading and discussion of Chinese newspaper and magazine articles, students solidify previously learned grammatical structures and expression. Extensive readings provide the basis for vocabulary-building and class discussion. Selective movies and clips are to be viewed to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture and traditions. Materials include Conversational Mandarin Chinese I. Meets 4 times per week.

FRENCH French I: French I is the initial course of study for students of French language, literature, and culture. A thorough preparation in the basics of French grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation is provided, and emphasis is placed on equipping the student with the skills for continued language study. To this end, the class is conducted, as much as is viable, in the French language. Meets 4 times per week

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French II and II Honors: In French II, the skills and activities of French I are reinforced and broadened, enabling students to become more sophisticated and proficient in expression. Reading abridged works of fiction and writing short reports and detailed narratives are integral parts of the course. The primary goal of the second year curriculum is to enhance students' proficiency in the four basic language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in order to prepare them for advanced study in French. Meets 4 times per week. French III and III Honors: In the third year of study, the emphasis is on the understanding of advanced grammar and vocabulary and its application in written and oral reports. Reports are longer and more sophisticated, and involve both narrative and expository situations; students are expected both to become relatively fluent in the language and to keep a journal in French. Unabridged listening and written material from the Francophone world are used to enhance comprehension and appreciation of culture. Readings in French literature consist of excerpts of poetry and the novel genre chosen to enhance and improve the student's reading comprehension. French III Honors is an accelerated class. Meets 4 times per week French IV:. A focus of this course is to enable students to become proficient in the French world and to expand their reading and listening comprehension skills via authentic materials. Students engage in refining a variety of study skills and techniques that seek to elicit creative and imaginary responses in the target language. Reading selections vary according to the ability and interest level of the class. Class discussions are conducted in French. Meets 4 times per week. French IV Honors: This is a course for advanced students who are highly proficient in all aspects of the French language. Widening the lens to explore Francophone culture, history and current events, a wide variety of written and spoken sources are used to hone all language skills. Written expression focuses on the ability to synthesize sources, develop thoughtful ideas, and write with a command of grammar and idiomatic expression. There is increased potential for intellectual and creative pursuits, independent study, cooperative learning, and more student involvement in preparation of class materials. While most grammar is studied “en contexte,” students review all aspects of advanced grammar, idioms, and vocabulary. Meets 4 times per week. French V : This class is for students wishing to continue their French studies, typically in their senior year. The emphasis is on the honing of all skills, with a view to keeping them active in preparation for continued study in college. Students explore French culture and literature, both in France and in Francophone countries throughout the world. The sweep is wide, with everything from cinema, music and cuisine to politics and current events fair game for study here. Meets 4 times per week. French AP Language and Culture: This course prepares advanced students for the AP examination in French Language and Culture using a wide variety of text and audio sources. A holistic approach is taken that more than ever accents communicative and cultural proficiency, while developing interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills. Students explore global, cultural issues in both contemporary and historical contexts. They develop the ability to make comparisons between cultures, with particular emphasis on the Francophone world, and their exploration is thematically structured. Written and oral expression focuses on the ability to synthesize sources, develop thoughtful ideas, and communicate with a command of grammar and idiomatic expression. Meets 4 times per week.

LATIN Latin I: Using the Ecce Romani I text, this course covers the first twenty-seven chapters of the series. Instruction stresses grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on a comparative study of English and Latin structure. Students also examine the history and culture of the Roman Monarchy, Republic and Empire. Various handouts are used and projects assigned throughout the year to complement grammar with myth, culture, and history. Meets 4 times per week. Latin II and II Honors: After reviewing the concepts of the Ecce Romani I text, students delve into an investigation of Ecce Romani II (chapters 28 through 54 in the series). This intensive study virtually completes the textual study of grammar, leaving the succeeding years for literature and grammar study through reading and composition. Further study of key elements of the history and culture during both the Republic and Empire are explored. Various handouts are used and projects assigned throughout the year to complement grammar with myth, culture, and history. While both Latin II and Latin II Honors operate from a similar syllabus, students in Latin II Honors move at a more rigorous pace as they continue a path leading toward study in advanced literature courses in the coming years. Meets 4 times per week.

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Latin III and III Honors: This course embarks upon the study of Ecce Romani III and introduces students to the works of the Roman historian Eutropius. After foundational work in historical readings, students translate, analyze, and discuss prose selections from Julius Caesar, Cicero, Asconius, and Augustus. Students are further introduced to the poetry of Catullus, Horace, Ovid, and Vergil, as time permits. Latin III Honors is an accelerated class and is considered to be the first in a two-year language cycle that prepares students for study in the Advanced Placement Latin course. Students must show a sound understanding of Latin grammar and syntax and must display a high proficiency in vocabulary in order to proceed to Latin IV Honors. Various handouts are used throughout the year to complement grammar and literature with myth, culture, and history. . Meets 4 times per week. Latin IV Honors:: Students read and discuss selections such as Caesar’s Commentaries, Ovid’s Amores, Metamorphoses, Ars Amatoria. Emphasis is placed on greater depth of understanding and greater sophistication in literary analysis. In the spring, students begin some study of Vergil’s Aeneid and dactylic hexameter as well as read The Aeneid in English in order to get an introduction for AP Latin. Latin IV Honors moves at a pace appropriate for preparing students for the work of AP Latin -- Vergil and Caesar in the following year. Meets 4 times per week. Latin IV and Latin V. This class focuses on Latin literature and on connecting contemporary life, literature, and media to Classical Greece and Rome. Students read the literature of Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, Ovid, Pliny, depending on the year. (Each year teacher alternates syllabus to accommodate students who are in Latin V.) To heighten understanding of this literature, history, and culture, students read novels in English; do research projects; do creative projects. Meets 4 times per week. AP Latin (Vergil, Caesar): The required syllabus includes readings in Latin and English from Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic War. Reading articles and essays, as well as certain parts of the Vergil and the Caesar texts, and doing research projects help students identify significant themes, central characters, and key ideas in the Latin passages; students also explore the context of the writings. To develop students’ ability to read Latin at sight, students will read authors such as Nepos, Cicero (but not his letters), Livy, Pliny the Younger, and Seneca the Younger rather than Tacitus or Sallust. Verse authors include Ovid, Martial, Tibullus, and Catullus, rather than Horace, Juvenal, or Lucan. Meets 4 times a week. SPANISH Spanish I: In the first year of Spanish, students are encouraged to speak the language from the first day of class. Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on the acquisition of oral and aural proficiency, as well as the development of writing skills. Students will learn and review grammar that is appropriate for a first year language course. Meets 4 times per week. Spanish II and IIH: After a complete review of grammar from Spanish I, students progress through the structure of the language, including some uses of the subjunctive. The concentration on aural-oral skills continues with focus on oral proficiency. Written work becomes longer and more sophisticated, and reading assignments are used to introduce students to cultural topics as well as more complex language. The focus is both Spain and Latin America. The inherent goal of the second year language program is preparation for more advanced study in the language, where classes are conducted solely in Spanish. Meets 4 times per week. Spanish III: By the end of third year Spanish students have seen and practiced most elements of the Spanish language, including all of the indicative tenses, grammatical concepts and many topics within the subjunctive. Students work on expanding their vocabulary and on using idiomatic language in "authentic" classroom situations. Students study the history and culture of Mexico through literature, lecture and slide shows. Aural-oral skills, as well as continued progress and development in reading and writing in the target language continue to be of major importance. Meets 4 times per week. Spanish III Honors: This course includes a comprehensive review of grammar and structure with a focus on improving students’ speaking and writing. First semester readings focus on Mexican culture and history, which are studied in great depth. During the second semester students read a variety of articles on topics including science and technology, the environment, history, politics, education, sports, the arts, etc. Essay writing includes cultural analysis, compare and contrast and argumentative essays. Authentic language materials are used from a wide variety of sources. Speaking activities are done daily and students regularly give oral presentations of 3-5 minutes. Meets 4 times per week. Spanish IV: Students in this course undertake a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar with a view to taking the SAT Subject Test. The focus of this course is to enable students to become more proficient in using the target language, and to expand their auditory comprehension via authentic materials and use of the language laboratory. Students refine their writing and reading skills through a survey of Spanish and Latin American literature as well as Hispanic writers in the US. Meets 4 times per week.

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Spanish IV Honors: Students in this course undertake a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar with a view to taking the SAT Subject Test. In addition, students begin to focus specifically on the topics and skills required by the AP exam which students will take the following year. The focus of this course is to enable students to not only become more proficient in using the target language but to also broaden their knowledge of the social and political landscape of the Hispanic world. In addition, students expand their auditory comprehension via authentic materials and use of the language laboratory. Meets 4 times per week. Spanish V: This course is a survey of Hispanic literature, a review of all grammar topics as well as small group and paired activities to improve speaking skills. Oral presentations of 3-10 minutes are given frequently. Fragments from longer works and complete short stories from authors such as Borges, Marquez, Neruda and Allende expose students to the panorama of the Hispanic world. A variety of Latin American cultural themes are examined in depth. Meets 4 times per week. AP Spanish Language and Culture: This course develops advanced Spanish language skills as we focus on Latin American and Spanish culture, history and current events. A wide variety of written and spoken sources are used to develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills necessary to meet success on the AP exam. Grammar study flows naturally from work on writing and speaking. Essay writing focuses on the ability to synthesize sources, create a thesis statement and write cleanly. The goal of speaking activities is to express ideas clearly in idiomatic Spanish, both in a conversation and presentation format. AP Exam practice is ongoing throughout the year as students work to master the Exam requirements. Meets 4 times per week. ELECTIVE COURSE (Prerequisite: second year of any language) Hispanic History and Culture I and II: The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding and appreciation of Hispanic people, history, culture and literature. Sources will include books, Internet sources, newspapers, guest speakers and movies. Many topics will be examined including literature, politics, race, foods, religion, values, music, art, family, social classes, sports and holidays. This course will be offered in two parts, one during each semester. You may sign up for both semesters or take only one or the other. It may be combined with a History semester course to make one major for the year. Semester one will begin with Spain's prehistory and go through the age of exploration and conquest. Semester two will cover the colonization and later independence movements in Latin America as well as modern art movements. - Mr. Rando (Offered to Juniors and Seniors. This course may satisfy the third year language requirement, with permission of the department head) This course satisfies the requirements for the Global Scholars Program if the students has already completed Level III of a foreign language. Meets 4 times per week. HISTORY The graduation requirement for the study of history is three years. Students should take World History during their freshman year. All students are required to complete Modern European History, generally taken during the sophomore year, and United States History, generally taken during the junior year. Electives for seniors explore particular historical subjects in depth, promote global understanding, and introduce social science concepts. With rare exceptions, students are not eligible to take these electives until they have completed Modern European and United States History. World and Modern European courses offer honors sections, and United States History students can take AP history to prepare for the Advanced Placement test. Honors sections of senior electives are also available. Students are placed in these sections on the basis of past performance, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and, when necessary, department-designed applications. World History (and Honors World History). This course features area studies of South Africa, Cuba, and the Middle East, focusing on the links between the past and the present and between Western and non-Western worlds. Each unit includes its own specific research project to develop research skills, analytical thinking, and thesis-driven writing. A variety of materials and approaches are used in teaching this course, with careful attention given to developing strong writing and study skills. Through exposure to secondary sources, primary sources, maps, literature, videos, and other materials, students gain knowledge, explore new concepts, practice core skills, and expand their curiosity about the past. Meets 4 times per week. Modern European History (and Honors Modern European History). This course emphasizes major themes in modern European history from the Renaissance to the present. By reading both textbook and primary sources, students learn to think about major historical issues. Students are introduced to political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history and focus on how these forces have shaped the modern world. Students hone their research, analytic, and writing skills through a variety of assignments and activities. Meets 4 times per week.

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United States History (and AP United States History). The major focus of this course is the development of the American nation as its population has diversified, its economy has matured, and its responsibilities have multiplied. The course emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of historical information. Students read primary documents as well as a basic textbook. Class discussions, lectures, and films help students integrate and appreciate what they are reading; additionally, they learn to synthesize ideas and facts by writing a major research paper. The Advanced Placement curriculum stresses various interpretations of American history and requires students to complete a substantial amount of college-level reading and writing. (Prerequisite: Modern European History) Meets 4 times per week. Law and Society. This full-year, half-credit, course (meeting twice a week) is open to all Upper School students. The purpose of the class is two-fold: 1) to use historical and literary resources to explore the role of law in American society, and 2) to prepare for participation in the annual state-wide Mock Trial competition sponsored by the Mass Bar Association. Readings, discussions, films, and other resources will support the study of specific court cases in history and in literature and will provide an introduction to legal issues prominent at different times in American history. Additionally, the Mock Trial portion of the class will offer a hands-on opportunity to learn about legal methods and the legal process. (This course does not count toward the graduation requirement for history.) Meets 2 times per week. FIRST SEMESTER SENIOR ELECTIVES Honors Seminar: Global History Lessons. This honors elective will explore how an understanding of the past can help us navigate the problems we face in the world today. In our attempt to gain an appreciation for the usefulness of history, we will consider historians and authors in other fields as they examine historical events across time and throughout the world, and we will apply their approaches to global concerns in the 21st century. A central focus of this course will be on how change happens and how societies respond to significant environmental, economic, and political changes. Students in this Honors-level class will be expected to bear a heavier reading load, participate eagerly in class discussions, and prepare written essays or other projects more frequently than might be expected in other Senior Electives. (Prerequisite: a “B+” or better in AP United States History or an “A-” or better in United States History and teachers’ recommendations; Ms. Jersild, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Global Scholars Capstone Seminar. This course is required for students interested in gaining recognition as a Thayer Academy Global Scholar. The course will encourage students to consider the meaning of “global citizenship” as we explore the role of national, multinational, and non-governmental organizations and assess their efforts in the area of global health, education, human rights, and economic development. Together we will examine the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and evaluate the current status of those rights in the world today; we will connect with Thayer graduates and discuss their experiences as “global citizens”; we will consider the limitations and the promise of NGOs as they set goals and try to improve our world; and with the support of the course teacher or another faculty mentor, students will develop an independent project to be completed in the second semester and to be presented to the community in the spring. (Mr. Dunne, 1 section; application required) Meets 4 times per week. Economics. By introducing basic economic theory and examining both micro and macro concepts, this course provides students with an understanding of the many ways economics affects people’s lives. These theories are examined under the critical eye of the main economic ideologies, an approach designed to give students a perspective on the differences of opinion that dominate current economic discussions regarding inflation, unemployment, military spending, and consumer protection. (Mr. Dixon, 2 sections) Meets 4 times per week. Hiroshima and the Holocaust. While this topic might sound horribly depressing, the events continue to fascinate because they are about larger-than-life heroes and villains and raise issues about politics, science, and morality that are of timeless importance. Through history, memoir, fiction, and film, we’ll explore big topics like genocide, totalitarianism, and even nuclear physics. We’ll look at war policies, war crimes, and war guilt; and we’ll examine the lives of men and women who made the most significant contributions to 20th Century history—for better or worse. (Mr. Levinson, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. History of Ireland. This is a survey course of Ireland’s 8,000-year history presented as a simulcast of past (history proper) and present (current affairs). The premise is that Ireland provides an effective case study for the concerns of contemporary peoples and historians: imperialism and post-colonialism, nationalism and globalism, religious and sectarian conflict, immigration and emigration, terrorism and conflict resolution. We explore how writers, filmmakers, and musicians have represented the rebirth of this “troubled” nation, and we ask provocative questions about nation building and defense. (Mr. Rooney, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week.

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Introduction to Psychology. In this psychology course, we will learn about some of the major areas of psychology, e.g. scientific research in psychology, learning and cognition, cognitive and social development over the lifespan, sleep and hypnosis, memory, motivation, personality, the treatment of psychological disorders and topics in social psychology (attitudes, prejudice, conformity, obedience, attraction, antisocial behavior, prosocial behavior, etc.). Our exploration of the field will rely on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students will learn to be critical consumers of research studies and to understand the components involved in designing a good research study. If you are interested in gaining a more scientific and objective understanding of why we humans act the way we do, particularly in relationship to one another and in groups (the social context), this course will interest you. (Ms. Brown, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Modern American Culture. This course is designed to study American Pop Culture (music, television, advertising, fashion, etc.) since 1950. Students will use a specific form of analysis called “semiotics” to look at various signs and symbols of American culture, with particular emphasis on race, class, and gender issues, to gain a greater understanding of each era and of cultural trends across the decades. Students will use a mixture of research, analysis, reasoning, and thoughtfulness to learn about American Pop Culture and to complete a variety of individual and group projects and papers. (Mr. Donnelly, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. SECOND SEMESTER SENIOR ELECTIVES Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Bound by History and Faith. This course explores the scriptures, histories, beliefs and practices of those whom the Qur’an calls “The People of the Book”: Jews, Christians and Muslims. What binds these faith perspectives together? What has divided them, often to the point of bloodshed? These are but a few of the essential questions that are explored in the course, seeking deeper appreciation for the diversity and similarities of these major world religions. Students will increase their scriptural literacy, historical knowledge base, and awareness of complex contemporary issues. Most importantly, they will ponder some of the most deeply meaningful questions in human history. (Ms. Sumpter, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. African History and the Afro-American Experience. This course emphasizes the social, economic, and cultural history of Africa from ancient to modern time. The study of representative events and issues from selected areas of Africa enables students to develop an understanding of the complexities of African history and provides the background to study effectively the Afro-American experience. The latter portion of the course concentrates on nineteenth- and twentieth-century figures, events, and issues. Use is made of novels, biographies, monographs, and films. (Mr. Dixon, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Art History. This course introduces students to the history of world art and architecture from Ancient Art through Impressionism. The course will include the study of materials and production. In addition, we will address issues such as gender, culture, identity, power, religion, and the reception of the art (both ancient and modern). We will examine the purpose of art in different cultures and the increasing emphasis placed on art’s critical function in society, both culturally and politically. (Ms. Brennan Hall, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Resolving Global Conflicts. Should the United States intervene in Ukraine? How should the U.S. respond to the threat of ISIS? What role does the UN or the United States have when a group like Boko Haram kidnaps students in Nigeria? What can we learn from past crises, and how can we apply historical lessons to current global conflicts? In this course, we will examine how leaders and organizations have tried to resolve global issues in the past and apply these lessons to current global conflicts. By using a case study approach, students will learn about the historical roots of conflicts and will assess the challenges in resolving them in today’s world. Depending on current events next spring, topics might include war, religion, economics, the environment, health care, gender, or children. Our examinations will rely upon a variety of sources, such as readings, film, and the internet. (Ms. Jersild, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Contemporary Issues. Using a variety of materials and methods, students will examine current events that affect both the United States and the global community. Time will be split between free exploration of various newspapers and magazines and examination of several issues in more depth. We’ll introduce issues through fiction and film, and then students will pursue aspects that most interest them. Topics are likely to include immigration issues and realities, political and social collisions between Islam and the West, and the changing nature of our Fast Food Nation. (Mr. Levinson, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week.

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Introduction to Psychology. In this psychology course, we will learn about some of the major areas of psychology, e.g. scientific research in psychology, learning and cognition, cognitive and social development over the lifespan, sleep and hypnosis, memory, motivation, personality, the treatment of psychological disorders and topics in social psychology (attitudes, prejudice, conformity, obedience, attraction, antisocial behavior, prosocial behavior, etc.). Our exploration of the field will rely on nightly reading assignments, discussion, and review of both current and classic research in the field. Students will learn to be critical consumers of research studies and to understand the components involved in designing a good research study. If you are interested in gaining a more scientific and objective understanding of why we humans act the way we do, particularly in relationship to one another and in groups (the social context), this course will interest you. (Ms. Brown, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Sports and Society. In this course, students will explore the relationship between sports and society in the United States. Students will consider the importance of sports to local, regional, and national identity; the concepts of the hero, antihero, and role model; issues of racial and gender equality; positive and negative values promoted through sports; and connections between sports, religion, and politics. The course will depend upon a wide range of sources, including excerpts, articles, feature films, documentaries, and works of fiction. (Mr. Dixon, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. Visions of War. In his influential book The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien explores the concept of “how to tell a true war story.” We will consider the same by looking at how war stories—conveyed through various means—shape our understanding of history. Most specifically, this course will examine the presentation and representation of America at war in Vietnam and the Middle East. We will consider how these wars are fought...with a focus on issues such as fear and courage, leadership and brotherhood, race and gender. What are the effects that war has on soldiers and the society to which they return? How does America choose to view and remember its violent conflicts—how do we interpret current events and memorialize the past? The course will cover a wide range of artistic and historical material including literature, film, music, personal accounts, propaganda, war memorials, and other historical documentation. (Mr. Robey, 1 section) Meets 4 times per week. MATHEMATICS Three years of mathematics are required for graduation. Students who have successfully completed Algebra I in the eighth grade complete Precalculus in the junior year and then are eligible for the study of Calculus during their senior year. Students who take Pre-Algebra in the eighth grade will complete two years of Algebra and one year of Geometry by the end of the junior year. The department offers courses at different levels of difficulty, including Advanced Placement, so that each student receives a course of study suited to his or her background, interest, and ability. There are significant differences in the presentation, pace, content, and amount of independent work required in the different levels of each course. Therefore, it is important that students (with the advice and recommendation of the Math Department) carefully select the proper level of each course. The use of technology, especially the graphing calculator, will be integrated into the curriculum throughout the four-year program, especially in the Precalculus and Calculus courses. REQUIRED COURSES Algebra I and Algebra I Fundamentals. Algebra I involves the study of the Real Number System. The properties and the basic operations of real numbers are introduced early in the curriculum, and the solution of linear equations is emphasized. In the latter half of the year, functions and relations are introduced, and the solution of rational equations and systems of equations are studied. If time permits, the solution of quadratic and radical equations is included. Algebra I meets 4 times per week, Algebra I Fundamentals meets 5 times per week. Algebra II Honors. Algebra II Honors includes the study of linear equations in two and three variables, an introduction to functions, linear inequalities in two variables, polynomial operations, factoring of higher order polynomials, laws of exponents, radicals, solving quadratic equations and quadratic systems, complex numbers, conics, exponential and logarithmic functions and an introduction to sequences and series. (Prerequisite: Algebra I) Meets 4 times per week. Algebra II. Algebra II includes the study of linear equations in two and three variables, an introduction to functions, linear and quadratic functions, linear inequalities in two variables, polynomial operations, rational expressions and functions, factoring of higher order polynomials, laws of exponents, radicals, solving quadratic equations and quadratic systems, complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, and an introduction to sequences and series. (Prerequisite: Algebra I) Meets 4 times per week.

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Algebra II Fundamentals. Algebra II Fundamentals includes the study of linear equations in two and three variables, systems of equations, matrices, an introduction to functions, quadratic functions, linear inequalities in one and two variables, absolute value equations and inequalities, laws of exponents, polynomial operations, factoring of higher order polynomials, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, solving quadratic equations, logarithms, and sequences and series. This course is not recommended for those students who wish to take the PreCalculus course during their junior or senior years. (Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra I Fundamentals) Meets 4 times per week. Geometry Honors, Geometry, and Geometry Fundamentals. This course provides a thorough study of the main topics of plane and solid Euclidean geometry. Three-dimensional concepts are included in the curriculum. The course also emphasizes the meaning and use of deductive reasoning and the formal requirements of writing a logical geometric proof. In addition, numerical application problems from such topics as areas and volumes, measurement of angles and arcs, and proportions are studied. Upon completion of two years of algebra and one year of Geometry, students will be prepared to take the SAT Subject Test, Math level 1 (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II recommended) Meets 4 times per week. ELECTIVE COURSES Foundations of PreCalculus. This course is designed for students who wish to continue their study of mathematics and plan to study math or a math-related discipline in college. The curriculum includes: linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions, a thorough introduction to trigonometry (including right triangle and circle trigonometry), trigonometric equations, fundamental trigonometric identities, the Law of Sines, the Law of Cosines, and operations on complex numbers. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and permission of the department) Meets 4 times per week. Functions and Statistics. This course is designed to strengthen students' algebraic background while, at the same time, introducing or extending the core functions of PreCalculus: linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Interspersed with the development of these functions will be an introduction to some of the major ideas of statistics, providing a head start to students who may be required to take a Statistics course in college. This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Topics will include experimental design, sampling, graphing, summarizing data, and an introduction to probability. Meets 4 times per week. PreCalculus. This full-year course is intended for interested math students who may study introductory Calculus during their senior year or in college. The curriculum covers the elementary functions and their properties and a comprehensive study of trigonometry. In this course, students develop the tools that are necessary to succeed in a Calculus course. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II Honors or Algebra II, and Geometry) Meets 4 times per week. PreCalculus Honors. This course is intended for students who have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in mathematics and who are likely to study AP Calculus during the senior year. Since the concept of a function is crucial to the further study of mathematics, functions and their properties form part of the core curriculum. Polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric equations and their applications, geometric sequences and series, and an introduction to differential Calculus complete the core. In addition, some or all of the following topics are included: polar coordinates and complex numbers, combinations, probability, and review for SAT Subject Tests, Math Level 2. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and permission of the department) Meets 4 times per week. AP Statistics. This course follows the recommendations of the Committee on Mathematics of the Advanced Placement Program. It introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. First semester topics include interpreting, summarizing, comparing, and exploring distributions of data, and methods of data collection such as surveys, experimental, and observational study. Second semester topics explore statistical inference through confidence intervals and tests of significance. Course supplements include newspaper and magazine articles. Students are challenged to think beyond the equations to justify, explain, interpret, and infer from data and subsequently communicate an appropriate and complete conclusion. By the end of the course, students are prepared to take the AP Statistics exam. (Prerequisites: Must have completed any level of PreCalculus or be concurrently enrolled in PreCalculus or higher. Must have strong reading/writing skills and permission of the department. This course is intended for seniors.) Meets 4 times per week. Topics in Calculus. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed the Foundations of Precalculus course. It does not prepare students for either of the Calculus AP exams. It is appropriate for those who plan to continue the study of Calculus in college and/or who may need this background for courses in applied sciences. This course starts with a focused review of the major functions and concepts of Precalculus and then branches into the curriculum of the Calculus course (delineated below). The amount of the Calculus curriculum covered by this course in a given year will depend on the strength of the class in that year. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Foundations of PreCalculus, and permission of the department) Meets 4 times per week.

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Calculus. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed the Precalculus course. It does not prepare students for either of the Calculus AP exams. It is appropriate for those who plan to continue the study of Calculus in college and/or who may need this background for courses in applied sciences. The curriculum introduces the fundamental concepts of Calculus, including the ideas of functions, limits, continuity and standard differentiation formulas and their applications. Other topics covered are the derivatives of trigonometric functions, the natural logarithm, the exponential functions, and basic methods of integration. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, PreCalculus, and permission of the department) Meets 4 times per week. AP Calculus AB. This course follows the recommendations of the Committee on Mathematics of the Advanced Placement Program. The ideas of intervals, neighborhoods, functions, and limits are carefully explored leading to rigorous development of the standard differentiation formulas. Through applications of derivatives to problems in maxima and minima, the student gains experience in the power of calculus. By the end of the course, students are prepared to take the AP Calculus AB exam. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, PreCalculus, and permission of the department) Meets 5 times per week. AP Calculus BC. This course follows the recommendations of the Committee on Mathematics of the Advanced Placement program. This course covers all of the topics taught in the AP Calculus AB course as well as the following additional topics: parametric, polar and vector functions (and their derivatives), slope fields, Euler's method, convergence of improper integrals and series, applications of integrals, and Taylor and Maclaurin series. By the end of the course, students are prepared to take the AP Calculus BC exam. (Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, PreCalculus, and permission of the department) Meets 4 times per week. Multivariable Calculus. This course is intended for students who have successfully completed AP Calculus BC. Taught at an undergraduate college level, this full-year course provides a thorough study of the calculus of functions of several variables. Topics include lines, planes and surfaces in R3, vector-valued functions and TNB frame, partial differentiation, Clairaut's Theorem, gradients, Lagrange multipliers, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, double and triple integrals and applications. The course continues with vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem and the Divergence Theorem. An introduction to Linear Algebra may also be included as time permits. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus BC and permission of the department.) Meets 4 times per week. SCIENCE All students are required to take three years of science. The program of studies is designed to offer an organized sequence of experiences that will help students develop an understanding and appreciation of the physical world of which they are a part. Full-year courses are offered in Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at different levels of difficulty so that each student receives a course of study that is commensurate with his or her background, ability, and interest. Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics are offered for students with a strong interest and ability in science, and electives are offered in interdisciplinary areas. Integrated Science I. This ninth-grade science course takes an integrated approach to a variety of topics. Patterns and Change, Cause and Effect, and Sport and Human Performance are the main themes. Students will address these topics from biological, physical, and chemical perspectives. This course combines weekly laboratory work, lectures and class demonstrations. Focus will be on refining laboratory and analytical skills. Meets 4 times per week Integrated Science I Honors. This ninth-grade science course follows the same themes as the IS-1 course. There are added expectations of independent work as well as added topics and added laboratory time. It is more mathematically rigorous and goes at a faster pace than the IS-I course. Students are accepted into the Honors level based on placement in Algebra II- Honors. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab. Integrated Science II. This tenth-grade science course takes an integrated approach to a variety of topics. Survive and Thrive, Weapons and Warfare, and Animals are the main themes. Students will address these topics from biological, physical, and chemical perspectives. This course combines weekly laboratory work, lectures and class demonstrations. While the focus will be on analytical skills, completion of this course, along with IS-1 will cover the usual content of introductory biology, chemistry and physics. Meets 4 times per week. Integrated Science II Honors. This tenth-grade science course follows the same themes as the IS-2 course. There are added expectations of independent work as well as added topics. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab.

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Biology. This full-year course is designed to meet the needs of college preparatory work in biology and acquaint students with the diverse world of living organisms and their interrelation. The course combines lectures, demonstrations, and weekly laboratory work. (Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II) Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab. Quantitative Chemistry. This full-year course offers a rigorous college preparatory background in chemistry. The emphasis is on a thorough introduction to inorganic chemistry with a mathematical description. Lectures and discussion sessions are supplemented with laboratory exercises and demonstrations. (Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II) Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab. Physics 11-12. This full-year course introduces students to the basic concepts in physics. Although introduced conceptually, this course is mathematically intensive. Students will study simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, light, geometric optics, electricity and magnetism, and mechanics. The course consists of lectures, class demonstrations, and weekly laboratory exercises. (Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra II) Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab.

Advanced Topics in Physics. This full-year course is designed to delve more deeply into a variety of physical topics through inquiry, the scientific method and an engineering approach. Two key aspects of this course will be the large-scale projects designing and building things, and some smaller-scale scientific investigations. Students interested in this course should possess strong quantitative skills, a creative bent, the desire and ability to solve problems, and a keen interest in the physical sciences. Many of the class activities are team-based projects, therefore good attendance is essential and will constitute a significant portion of the student’s grade. Meets 4 times per week. Anatomy and Physiology. Most of us have a natural curiosity about our bodies. This full-year course strives to answer some of these questions using readings, discussions, and activities. The emphasis will be on the structure and function of body systems and their relationships to one another. Meets 4 times per week. Astronomy. This class will help students gain a greater appreciation for the night sky and the evolution of planets, stars and galaxies. Students will be introduced to ancient methods of observation and also utilize some of the most modern techniques. A weekly lab held at the Cahall Observatory provides a practical appreciation for observing and studying the Cosmos. Topics include comparative planetology, the sun, star formation, supernovae, black holes and the origin of the universe. Meets 4 times per week, 3 days/week in classroom and one evening/week at the Cahall Observatory. Marine Science. This full-year course explores the world of water through a variety of lectures, labs, papers, and numerous other activities. We look at the biological, chemical, physical, and geological interactions of every aspect of life on our planet, from tide pools to the deep abyss. Units of study include biology, chemistry, geology, current events, navigation, exploration, deep sea, aquaculture and more. Meets 4 times per week. AP Biology. This full-year course covers the topics in the AP curriculum and includes advanced studies of biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular energy, genetics with a strong emphasis on the molecular biology of the gene, evolution, and taxonomic classification. This class will prepare students for the AP exam in Biology in May. Students are expected to take this exam as the culmination of the course. Students must fill out an application form for acceptance into Biology II AP. Some summer preparation is expected as well. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab. AP Chemistry. This full-year course covers the topics in the AP curriculum and prepares students for the AP Exam in May. Topics include basic atomic structure with quantum theory of the atom, chemical reactions, thermochemistry molecular geometry, reaction types - acid/base, oxidation/reduction, precipitations - stoichiometry and equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics. Students are expected to take the Chemistry AP exam as the culmination of the course. Students must fill out an application form for acceptance into Chemistry AP. Some summer preparation is expected as well. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab. AP Environmental Science. Serious environmental problems face the next generation of decision makers and will probably force us to make drastic changes in the decades to come. The goal of this full-year course is to use the students’ knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics to deepen their understanding of current environmental issues. The course will also develop the critical thinking and analytical skills that are necessary to weigh the socioeconomic costs and benefits of this type of decision-making. Research and data collection will be a large part of the class and students’ own interests will be explored. This class prepares students for the AP exam in Environmental Science in May. Students are expected to take this exam as the culmination of the course. Students must fill out an application form for acceptance into AP Environmental Science. Some summer preparation is expected as well. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab.

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AP Physics C – Mechanics. This full year course is a rigorous, calculus based physics course that covers the Mechanics portion for the AP Exam. The topics taught are included in the Course Description for AP Physics C curriculum published by the CollegeBoard. Students are expected to take this exam as the culmination of the course. Meets 4 times per week with one double period lab.

ELECTIVE COURSES Grades 10-12 Robotics I. This year-long course introduces students to basic concepts of robotics. Students will focus on the specific programming skill sets required to engineer a working robot: project management, mechanical design and programming. Students will also develop skills in problem solving, novel idea generation, and communications. This course does not fulfill your science requirement for graduation. This is a graded course. Meets 2 times per week. Robotics II and III. This full-year course continues with the themes of Robotics I while incorporating more engineering design ideas with robotics. Students will expand on the programming and design required for a variety of robotic tasks. (Prerequisite: Students must have completed Robotics I or II.) This course does not fulfill the science requirement for graduation. This is a graded course. Meets 2 times per week. Collaborative Design Lab. This one semester course introduces students to group work in problem-solving and independent thinking. Small teams of students will be assigned a variety of tasks where they will have to determine the best course of action to accomplish their goal. Using a variety of tools and materials, teams will strategize, create, design, invent and learn. This course does not fulfill the science requirement for graduation. This is a pass/fail course. Meets 2 times per week. Independent Summer Research. This class introduces students to actual research in scientific laboratories in the Boston area with the goal of working in a lab for six to eight weeks during the summer. Students will meet 2 times per week to review and present current research from periodicals, and work on research projects at school. Eight times through the year students will visit labs in and around Boston. By May, they will apply to work as an intern with one of the labs for the summer. This course does not fulfill the science requirement for graduation. This is a pass/fail course. Meets 2 times per week.

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Health and Wellness curriculum is an integral part of the total Thayer experience. The program is designed to give students the informational background they need to make responsible decisions when it comes to living a healthy, active, safe and productive lifestyle. The Health and Wellness Department provides each student with an opportunity to be exposed to and experience an array of health and fitness related courses. Health and Wellness Courses Required for Graduation:

Freshman: Introduction to Health & Wellness, Fitness Concepts/Team Building (both required, year long) Sophomore: Nutrition, Current Issues & Lifetime Activities (required, year long) Junior: Decisions (required, first or second semester) Senior: CPR/AED/First Aid (required, first semester)

HEALTH & WELLNESS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Introduction to Health: This course is designed to provide updated health-related information which will help students make positive and informed decisions. The following topics, among others, will be discussed: drugs, alcohol, sexual behaviors, bullying & harassment, relationships, kindness, respect, tobacco, sun & skin, self-image, stress management. (Freshman requirement, once a week all year.) Fitness Concepts/Team Building: Students will learn how one’s body responds to various types of exercise by participating in fitness circuits that focus on muscular fitness, cardiovascular capacity and flexibility. Students discuss the importance of proper technique and following the basic principles in order to achieve maximum benefits. Throughout the year, students will also work together and participate in various Team Building activities. Team Building initiatives are a great opportunity to work on communication skills, decision-making, cooperation, problem solving, patience and learning to support and encourage. (Freshman requirement, once a week all year.)

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Nutrition, Current Issues, & Lifetime Activities: This course introduces students to variety of topics that influence lifelong habits and goals. Students will learn the basic concepts of nutrition and will develop tools for healthy eating. Students will evaluate their individual dietary needs and learn to make informed decisions in improving and managing their diet. Topics covered include the function of essential nutrients, life cycle needs, diets for athletes, and the role of nutrition and disease management. Students will also take a look at some moral dilemmas teens are faced with today, in an effort to establish healthy decision-making and goal setting. College counselors will engage the students in interest and career exercises, helping them better understand how high school performance and involvement impact the college admission process. Students will receive guidance on course selection, standardized testing, and extracurricular participation. In addition, they will create accounts on Naviance, an online resource for college and career planning. Finally, students will be exposed to a variety of lifetime activities in which basic skills and knowledge are taught. Activities include Archery, Tennis, Golf, Badminton, Yard Games and Volleyball. (Sophomore requirement, once a week all year.) Decisions: In this seminar style course, students will examine “risk/reward” decisions confronted by students with regard to drug and alcohol use, sexual behaviors, relationships with family and friends, mental health concerns and legal issues of young adults. Throughout the term, the College Counseling Department conducts several classes to introduce students to the college search process. (Junior requirement, once a week, first or second semester) CPR/AED/First Aid: Seniors participate in an American Red Cross course where they will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. At the time the course is offered, students already certified in Adult & Pediatric Basic First Aid/CPR/AED will be exempt from this course. (Senior requirement, once a week, first semester) Sports Medicine: The course will include class work and hands-on application in the areas of prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Students will learn the essential components of an effective sports medicine program and the different career options available. Students will utilize video analysis and simulation in order to learn event preparation and emergency management of common injuries. Students will have an overview of anatomy, physiology, and the kinetics as they apply to the science of sports medicine. (Junior/Senior Elective, 1st or 2nd semester, twice a week)

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Thayer Academy Upper School Course Offerings

2017-18

Arts Foundations in the Arts (9th Grade required) Architectural Design I, II, III Graphic Design I, II, III Web Design Painting and Drawing I, II, III Photography I, II, III Pottery I, II, III Film Advanced Acting Dance Styles/Movement Dancing for Dudes Concert Choir Instrumental Ensemble Jazz Combos Private Lessons Computer Science Programming I (C++) AP Computer Science (Java) Data Structures in Java English English I, I Honors English I Workshop English II, II Honors AP English: Lit. and Composition AP English: Lang. and Composition Language and Style American Masterworks Senior Seminar and Senior Seminar Honors* Advanced Composition Crossing Borders Crossing Borders – Global Journeys & Transformations* Philosophy and Literature Rag and Bone Shop (Poetry) Scene to Screen* *These courses satisfy the requirements for the Global Scholars Program. **This course satisfies the requirements for the Global Scholars Program if the student has already completed Level III of a Foreign Language.

Foreign Language Mandarin Chinese I, II, III Mandarin Chinese IV* French I French II, II Honors French III, III Honors French IV, IV Honors* French V, V Honors* AP French Language and Culture* Latin I Latin II, II Honors Latin III, III Honors Latin IV, IV Honors* Latin V* AP Latin (Vergil, Caesar)* Spanish I Spanish II, II Honors Spanish III, III Honors Spanish IV, IV Honors* Spanish V, V Honors* AP Spanish Language and Culture* Hispanic History and Culture I, II** History World History, WH Honors Mod. Eur. History, MEH Honors US History AP US History Law and Society Global History Lessons (F)* Global Scholars Capstone Seminar (F)* Economics (F) Hiroshima and the Holocaust (F)* History of Ireland (F)* Modern American Culture (F) African Hist. & Afr.-Am. Exp. (S) Art History (S)* Contemporary Issues (S) Judaism, Christianity and Islam (S)* Intro. To Psychology (F,S) Resolving Global Conflicts (S)* Sports and Society (S) Visions of War (S)

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Mathematics Algebra I Algebra I Fundamentals Algebra II, II Honors Algebra II Fundamentals Geometry, Geometry Honors Geometry Fundamentals Foundations of PreCalculus Functions and Statistics PreCalculus, PreCalculus Honors AP Statistics Topics in Calculus Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Multivariable Calculus Health & Wellness Fitness Concepts/Team Building Introduction to Health Nutrition/Current Issues/Lifetime Activities CPR/AED/First Aid Decisions Sports Medicine *This course satisfies the requirements for the Global Scholars Program. .

Science Integrated Science I Integrated Science I Honors Integrated Science II Integrated Science II Honors Biology Quantitative Chemistry Physics 11-12 Advanced Topics in Physics Anatomy and Physiology Astronomy Marine Science AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science* AP Physics C – Mechanics Robotics I Robotics II & III Collaborative Design Lab Independent Summer Research

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